The shortfielder usually stands between 5 and 20 meters directly behind second base. From this position, they close up the line drivehole left open between second and the short stop. In addition, they can field the bloopers that batters love to use to confound the outfield. And, of course, the make a natural cutoff man for plays from the far outfield.

Skillwise, the shortfielder needs to suck the least in everything, but doesn't need to be stellar. They have to hustle, but only short distances. They'll throw a bit, but never for long throws. They'll field a lot, but never fast line drives with no response time, nor really high, long fly balls.